Overview & Reviews

Lexus has earned a well-deserved reputation for turning out utterly refined luxury vehicles. The hallmarks of this brand are a quiet, well-crafted cabin, a plush ride and commendable performance from powerful, nearly silent engines.

Lexus began out of a desire by parent company Toyota to create a world-class luxury car brand. Groundwork for Lexus was laid in the mid-1980s, when the company began tapping U.S. focus groups in an attempt to define design concepts best suited for American consumers. Hundreds of prototypes were built and tested on Germany's autobahn and on U.S. roads.

In early 1989, the company unveiled its first two models (which would debut for the 1990 model year) -- the entry-level ES 250 sedan and the flagship LS 400 sedan. The LS 400 was lauded by both journalists and consumers alike for offering a stellar luxury-car experience, with a remarkably silent cabin, superb build quality and a refined V8 engine. At the same time, the LS was priced considerably lower than smaller, lesser-equipped, six-cylinder European rival luxury sedans.

By the early 1990s, the Lexus brand was expanded to other markets, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. More models were added to the lineup, including the SC 300 and SC 400 coupes and the brand's first luxury performance sedan, the GS 300. By decade's end, the company had added SUVs (in the form of the LX 450/LX 470 and RX 300) and had sold more than a million vehicles in the U.S.

The first decade of the 2000s saw Lexus proving itself a trend setter with the launch of many hybrid-powered versions of its vehicles such as the RX 400h and the GS 450h. And by 2011, Lexus even introduced a world-class supercar, the LFA.

In the years since its inception, the Lexus brand has distinguished itself time and again in quality and reliability surveys. The brand's vehicles may not offer as much passion as some Teutonic rivals, but for drivers interested in vehicles that emphasize quality, dependability and comfort, the Lexus marque is hard to beat.

User Reviews:

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  Bruces review - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Bruce - November 16 - 6:03 am

  This is the best vehicle I have owned. I traded an S-Type Jag and there is no comparison. the room and quietness is fantastic. The ride is very smooth and the quality of the car seems to be excellent.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Jan Fry - November 16 - 2:00 am

  We liked our 1999 LX470 so much that we replaced it (100,000 miles) with a new 2004 LX470. The vehicle was wonderful and we never had a mechanical problem. Were confident that we will have the same experience with our 2004 version. Not as pretty as the Range Rover...but very dependable and great in the snow & ice.

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  LS 430 with European Sport Package - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By JayMac - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love the car. I chose the Modern package of Navigation, Levinson sound system, reverse camera and 6 disc CD changer with XM satellitle radio as an option. The Premium package with front climate controled seats, rear heated seats, and intuitive parking assist. The e European Sport package with euro-tuned suspension, P245/ 45R18 tires, 18" x 7.5 JJ alloy wheels, and full size spare tire. And finally the Smart Key feature. The car looks, feels and rides incredible. I think I made a great decision in both dollars and reliability choosing this over the S430 Mercedes.

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  Recent Lexus Buyer - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By G. F. Weeks - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I find the car to be less quiet and comfortable than expected. There is too much interior noise and road noise for an entry level luxury car. The motor, though powerful enough for city and highway driving, seems to strain when accelerating. Some good points include the A/C and stereo systems and ample trunk and passenger room. Overall, I find the car very average.

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  A thrilled customer - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By jim040558 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Luxury at this price point is unbeatable. If you have a wife or if you have shorter legs, the $140 adjustable pedals are a must have. The variable suspension on the fly is great fun. Build quality is superb, and Ive never owned a car so quiet. Front wheel drive handling isnt torquey, and the options, like NAV and Mark Levinson are well worth the price. External styling is sporty but refined. Inside the car you are enveloped by a luxury that no other competitor at this price point can touch. Lots of wow factor at a very reasonable price.

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  lexus is300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By obaid - November 14 - 10:00 am

  awesome car really great, reliable, dependable, fast, easy, car...verrrry fun!

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  Loving It - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By cpearson - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car... The ride is smooth as silk and the interior is top notch.. I Love my dealership because when every I need an oil change they come to me and pick up the car. Great service!! I would like to see a better controll in a high speed turn like the volvo convertibles STS controll.

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  2010 RX... Big Mistake - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Texas Lexus - November 14 - 6:06 am

  Previously owned "11" Lexus RXs & very satisfied! Extremely disappointed with new 2010! Lexus went downhill on this model! The wind noise is terrible! Sounds like front windows are always cracked open. Headrests & seats very uncomfortable. Wont cool. NO more arm rests! Interior lost most of wood trim. Glove compartment, visor mirrors & holder for sunglasses made of flimsy plastic. Horrible console design. Lid does not open fully & is awkward to reach inside. 12V & USB buried at bottom of console. Need a flashlight to find them! Awkward space under console. No illumination on garage door buttons or reading lights. Hit & miss in the dark. Backdoors part of fender wells & will not stay clean. Our 2010 will be in the dealership for a week having door windows replaced. They think it will help stop the loud wind noise! Weve had a great relationship with our Lexus dealer for many years. Too bad Lexus failed to deliver quality on this model.

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  Option detail lags competition. - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Jerry - November 12 - 10:13 pm

  Purchased 2005 GX470 after test driving MDX, Navigator, Aviator, Denali, BMW SUV. GX does have an excellent ride BUT Lexus needs to pay more attention to option detail. Lexus NAV system ranks far behind Acura and Mercedes (I own both). Mark Levinson sound system is average, at best. Also ranks behind Acura and Mercedes. Bluetooth phone capability is a joke. Just found out that you cant get a Verizon phone to work with the system. Voice activated NAV and audio is useless. This is a $50,000+ luxury vehicle that should NOT have these issues. Lexus needs to take a look at what Acura (my daughters TSX) and Mercedes (my wifes E320) have accomplished and learn from them. Thinking of trading in.

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  Not Wowd - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Gary P - November 12 - 3:23 pm

  This vehicle has been a bit disappointing. I have only owned it for a month but already there are annoying rattles and a tremendous amount of road noise when you are on the highway. The interior is nicely designed and I expect reliability to be very good.